On Monday, November 9, U.S. Soccer announced that soccer players 10 and under should not be permitted to head soccer balls. Instead, the governing body of the sport stated that practice of this particular maneuver should be limited only to children between the ages of 11 and 13. The new regulation has been put in place for all players participating in the United Sates Soccer’s Youth National Teams and its Developmental Academy.

What Initiated this Change?

An article written by Scientific American™ states that heading a ball can cause severe damages to a person’s brain. Due to metabolic and structural reasons, this type of maneuver can pose more serious threats for brain injuries to children under that age of 12.

Specifically, this maneuver can cause neurodegenerative problems such as loss of function of neurons, death of neurons, and loss of structure. Of course, this can be hazardous due to the role of neurons, which is to send messages to other nerve cells using electrical signals and chemicals.

These problems occur when the brain is briefly shaken. This force and excessive amount of shaking can cause concussive and subconcussive trauma. When this occurs, a person can suffer cognitive problems such as the following:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Light-headedness
• Headaches
• Memory problems
• Anxiety
• Depression

It is important that coaches and soccer league officials are aware of the injuries that may occur after such maneuvers are performed. If these persons notice that a player is acting unusually after heading a soccer ball, they should instruct the player to receive medical attention immediately to avoid further damage. In addition, coaches should not send players back onto the field or into any kind of physical demand until the player has received medical attention and sustained a full recover.

Has Your Child Sustained an Injury? The Daspit Law Firm Can Help

If your child has suffered an injury at any time, including at a sports practice or game, and you believe another party should be held liable, contact our Victoria personal injury lawyers at The Daspit Law Firm today. We can take the time understand the intricacies of your case and may be able to help you pursue financial compensation for any physical harms, medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distresses you may acquire as a result.

Don’t wait. Secure compassionate legal advocacy today. Our Victoria personal injury attorneys are standing by to take your call.